The Forensic Science Focus Area welcomed a drug and attack dog training expert to bring one of his dogs, Jenga, to the campus Tuesday morning. As Joey, the Forensics instructor, suited up in a protective Kevlar outfit, Jenga was brought out to the students and the trainer explained Jenga’s attack style, along with the things he does to command an attack, encourage her, and call her off.
When he first called Jenga to attack Joey on his shoulder, she was letting out what the trainer called her “defensive growls” that are instinctual for dogs to make when they are being an aggressor. The trainer also patted Jenga’s side as she grappled with Joey, which he explained “assures her that I am here with her and that we can fight together.” by Katie Anne Brown
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Prison―this is a word that few would readily associate with GSP, but one that a select group of scholars now know all too well. These scholars, members of the General Studies group “How Just is Justice?”, took an intimate tour of the Northpoint Training Center, an all-male medium security facility. Upon arrival, these scholars were stripped of their lanyards, subjected to a trip through a metal detector, and given a quite thorough pat-down. Informed that “If you were to be taken hostage, [Northpoint] would not barter for your freedom,”, the group became increasingly antsy. The scholars were left by their instructor in actual, literal prison, protected only by two men armed with pepper spray and handcuffs (and, Harsh, if you are reading this, expect to be billed for any trauma therapy I undergo in the future. Thanks in advance!). After an hour and a half of being gawked at by inmates and traveling in tight lines through hallways, inmate dormitories, and tunnels like children, the group was able to leave the grounds miraculously unharmed. The trip to prison was definitely one to remember, and will not easily be forgotten by those in attendance―just ask them, they love to talk about it.
by Karly Rickman It was just an hour or so after the campus-wide blood drive, and scholars were huddled in the JVAC parking lot waiting to board the two Centre vans. The scholars were about to embark on an adventure to Louisville, Kentucky, to go Contra Dancing. This style of dancing is a type of folk dance that is compiled of parallel lines of people and fun-filled dance steps.
Once the scholars arrived to the Contra Dancing site, they were greeted with warm arms as they stepped foot into the Beginner Class. This thirty minute class was able to teach the scholars the basic dance moves before they headed upstairs to the actual dance. Many of the scholars already knew the basic dance moves prior to the class because their general studies teacher, Melanie Kidwell, taught them some of the basic moves during general studies. After the beginner class had concluded, it was time for the scholars to make their way upstairs to the big dog stage. The room was adorned with fairy lights that hung up above. Fiddlers, banjoists, and other musicians could be found on the large stage at the front of the room. A caller, who would call out the dance moves taking place, was situated in the very front of the stage. The scholars were seemingly shocked to see the abundant amount of people on the dance floor and the overall size of the room. The ages across the room were of a wide span of ages. A diverse amount of people, from a wide span of cultural backgrounds, were getting their boogie down. There was a large mix of experienced dancers and beginners. Veteran dancers were overjoyed to share there contra wisdom with first-timers. They were beyond welcoming towards the newbees and helped them out with intricate dance moves. The dance was soon in mid-swing, and the scholars appeared to be smiling more than the cheshire cat. Many were more than overjoyed to dosey doe back and forth and dance with people they had never met. The atmosphere of the event put everyone in a great mood, and even those who were dreading the field trip, agreed that they had a night of their life. Perhaps it was the switching of partners that led to more socializing, the lovely community environment that circulated the room, or even the live tunes that were music to your ears, that led to the pleading from the scholars to their teacher to come back the following week. by Charlotte Shores Will Garcia and Sara Loy’s General Studies classes got to visit the Grace Café after lunch on Tuesday. Grace Café has an interesting mission targeted to help those in the Danville community that may be hungry and/or impoverished. This café is considered a “pay-what-you-can” café where there are only suggested prices. It is a family place that is designed to not call out or ruin the dignity of those who may be in need. With its southern hospitality and a warm feeling , Grace Café attracts many visitors and volunteers due to its experience.
by Loghan Currin The Israel-Palestine conflict is a seemingly well-known topic. However, one seminar group was recently offered the opportunity to better understand the conflict through a discussion with a Palestinian who currently lives in Kentucky. Adan Deeb was born in Palestine, but her family had to move to America because her father could not find work in Palestine because of the tension between the two states. Even though Adan grew up in America, she understands the conflict on a first-hand basis because she frequently visits her family who still live in Palestine.
During the discussion, she recounted stories of cancelled family gatherings due to attacks on nearby towns as if it were normal. She discussed the root of the conflict further than the usual explanation; it was not a conflict solely based on religion. Instead, the conflict is the result of many complex disagreements over land and nationality. In addition, she spoke of the need for compromise; the gap between the people of Israel and Palestine is so wide that it is almost impossible for the two to see eye to eye. She also offered advice for Americans to ensure that the information which is provided to them is unbiased by verifying it with other news sources. Most of all, Adan helped scholars empathize with a conflict which can seem as if it were happening on another planet. Living in America sometimes makes it difficult to believe that such a conflict can happen. The reality is that Israel and Palestine need empathy. It is imperative that the next generation understands the conflict so that peace may be restored to the Middle-East one day. The Israel-Palestine conflict must be truly addressed. Through the spread of information about this conflict, Adan and others who project their voices will spark change in the treatment of this conflict. I, along with the rest of Will Garcia’s general studies class, “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat,” got to take a trip to Somerset on Thursday the 27th. We got to go to Baxter’s Coffee and learned about the business and production side of coffee. We started our day off at the Baxter’s Drive-thru and warehouse location to learn about the roasting process, as well as the history behind the well known family-owned company. Some of our experiences include trying roasted green coffee beans and learning about speciality coffee. After lunch, we went to the actual Baxter’s Coffee location where we got to purchase drinks, merchandise and baked goods.
Baxter’s is a family business that is known for running out Starbucks all around their local area. After trying the coffee, I could see why this happened. Not only was the Somerset Blend delicious, but the sweet tea was the perfect summer drink. It was a great day bonding with my class, getting out in the sun, and seeing a new area of Kentucky. It was one of the best experiences in an already interesting food and philosophy class. by Loghan Currin |